The upcoming T20I series between England and India promises several fascinating contests, but few battles have generated as much excitement as the one involving the teenage batting sensation. Vaibhav Suryavanshi. After taking the cricket world by storm with his brave performances over the last two seasons, the young left-hander is expected to face another tough test against England’s formidable pace attack.
Former England spinner Graeme Swann believes containing Suryavanshi will be one of the biggest challenges for the hosts. While England possess several world-class bowlers, Swann feels only one of them might have a slight advantage over the youngster due to his familiarity with the Indian batsman thanks to their time together in the IPL.
Graeme Swann backs England pacer to challenge Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Speaking to JioStar ahead of the first T20I, Swann admitted that preparing plans against Suryavanshi is not easy at all. Although the teenager is still relatively new to international cricket, his two IPL campaigns have provided enough footage for England’s analysts and bowlers to study. Among England’s fast bowlers, Swann stood out Jofra Archer as the player most likely to cause trouble for Suryavanshi.
“It is difficult to prepare for a player like Vaibhav Suryavanshi. He is still new to international cricket, but he has already played two seasons in the IPL. That means there is video footage available. Some of England’s bowlers may have bowled to him in the IPL. But the truth is that no one has had much success against him so far. He looked almost unplayable. The only player who might have a slight advantage is Jofra Archer. He has seen Suryavanshi from the Dugout, le I threw in the nets and watched it closely. He’s probably seen it more than anyone.” Swann said..
Having shared the Rajasthan Royals dressing room with the youngster and bowled regularly in the nets during the IPL, Archer has valuable first-hand knowledge of his game. Swann believes Archer’s understanding of the youngster’s strengths and potential weaknesses, combined with his quick pace, could make him England’s most powerful weapon.
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Suryavanshi prepares for another important international test
Suryavanshi comes to the England series after a remarkable rise over the past year. The left-handed opener has established himself as one of India’s brightest young talents through fearless strokeplay and remarkable consistency in franchise and international cricket. The upcoming T20I series will provide another opportunity for the youngster to test himself against one of the strongest pace attacks in world cricket. While Archer’s pace and familiarity with Suryavanshi could make for some intriguing competition, Swann believes the teenager has already shown an impressive ability to adapt against elite bowling attacks.
“Maybe he has spotted a weakness. Maybe he has a plan. And he has the quick pace to back it up. But so far, no matter who has bowled to Suryavanshi, no matter how highly skilled the bowler, he has always had an answer.” he added.
With two fearless cricketers set to face off, the Archer-Suryavanshi battle is shaping up to be one of the biggest contests in the upcoming India-England T20I series.
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